Vienna Volksoper Reveals the Art Behind ‘West Side Story’s’ Shocking Stage Blood – A Breaking Look at a Growing Profession
Vienna, Austria – A seemingly seamless moment of dramatic realism in the Vienna Volksoper’s long-running production of “West Side Story” – the shocking on-stage shooting of Tony – is actually the result of meticulous preparation and a highly skilled craft. archyde.com takes you behind the curtain to explore the artistry and dedication of the theater’s makeup artists, a profession experiencing a surge in demand and formalized training.
The Illusion of Impact: How Stage Blood Comes to Life
Audiences captivated by the visceral impact of the scene likely give little thought to how the blood appears so convincingly. It’s not magic, but a carefully orchestrated effect created by 25-year-old Carolyn Weinzettl, a second-year makeup artistry apprentice at the Volksoper. Weinzettl spends her afternoons crafting small, foil-sealed bags filled with theatrical blood, designed to be crushed or bitten by actors at precisely the right moment. “You look at the action too spellbound, the scenery looks too real,” the Volksoper’s team explains, highlighting the power of illusion. This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; the timing and delivery are honed during rigorous rehearsals.
From Hairdressing to High Art: The Evolution of a Makeup Artist’s Training
The path to becoming a professional makeup artist has dramatically evolved. Historically, a hairdressing apprenticeship was a prerequisite. Today, the three-year apprenticeship at theaters like the Volksoper (with 20% of training at vocational school) incorporates a far broader skillset. Current training, formalized in Austria in 2018, includes wound makeup, drag, “beauty” makeup, prosthetics, hair styling (including wigs, ondulation, and permanent waves), tattoo covering, and beard application. Gerd Kosour, a long-time makeup artist at the Volksoper and previously at the Josefstadt Theater, emphasizes the curriculum’s responsiveness to production needs. “If there is an idea of the game plan, for which a specific activity is necessary, we use this to learn the respective techniques,” he says.
A Second Educational Path: Opening Doors to a Creative Career
Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of aspiring artists, Austria now offers a one-and-a-half-year training program for individuals with existing qualifications (like makeup artistry) or practical experience (like theater support). This “second educational path” leads to an extraordinary apprenticeship examination. In Germany, makeup artistry can even be studied at universities in Dresden and Munich, reflecting the growing recognition of the field as a legitimate art form. According to a 2022 IBW survey, 83% of apprentices in this field are female, demonstrating a strong female presence in this creative industry.
Beyond the Glamour: The Demands of a High-Pressure Role
The job isn’t all glitter and glamour. Alexandra Heil, Chief Mask Artist at the Volksoper Vienna, stresses the importance of composure under pressure. “Everyone is nice with us, but of course there is a pressure, and that means that you have to radiate calm and respond to the artists.” The work often extends to evenings and weekends – a reality many aspiring artists discover during internships. Heil advises prospective makeup artists to gain practical experience through internships to fully understand the commitment required.
Career Prospects: A Growing Demand for Skilled Artists
The future looks bright for trained makeup artists. “Not only at your house, but at all Austrian theater and opera companies, trained make-up artists are highly in demand,” Heil confirms. Educational researcher Stefanie Bräuml from the Institute for Education Research in the Economy notes that the 2018 apprenticeship program “closes a long-existing gap in Austrian vocational training” and is “very desirable and is well received.” Starting salaries range from 1920 to 2440 euros after completing the apprenticeship, offering a viable career path for passionate creatives. Carolyn Weinzettl’s persistence – after an initial unsuccessful application – exemplifies the dedication required, and her proactive approach is already earning her praise from the Volksoper team.
The dedication of artists like Carolyn Weinzettl and the evolving training programs are ensuring that the magic of theater – from the shocking realism of a stage shooting to the transformative power of character makeup – continues to captivate audiences for years to come. Explore more behind-the-scenes stories and career insights at archyde.com, your source for breaking news and in-depth features.
